Were you expecting someone else?
A laugh bubbles in my throat.You’re funny. Eryx never said you were funny.
That’s because he doesn’t appreciate my sense of humor.
Oh, I doubt that. Maybe there’s a reason why he doesn’t think you’re funny.
You think I might be lewd. You’re right.
Nightmare isn't just a voice in my head. It's a presence—vast and cold, like standing in a shadow that goes on forever. I can feel it everywhere, awareness layered over my own, ancient and watchful.
Well, at least you’re honest about being lewd.
I’m always honest,it tells me.Now…we’re going to have some fun. Eryx sees what we do as a chore. But I have a feeling you’ll see this differently.
My muscles lock.Will it hurt?
No.
I hesitate.Did it hurt Eryx?
You’ve seen the mark on his chest.
Yes, I reply slowly.
I don’t bring pain when I’m chosen.Before I can ask what that means, Nightmare continues.You’re only touching a sliver of me. This is borrowed power. It will answer you, but it’s not yours. Not yet.
I don’t speak and Nightmare stills.You have a question.
Eryx said you were obsessed with me, which I’m sure is an overstatement.
It pauses, waiting in the corners of my mind.
Why me?I ask, and it feels like I’ve just thrown a boulder off my shoulders.
Why you? Has a simpler question ever been asked? Whynotyou?
I feel the urge to roll my eyes because asking instead of answering feels like Nightmare is trying to bide time.Is it because of the roses?
That’s part of it, yes,it replies, sounding like a snake as it holds thes. Your magic calls to me. But it was never just the magic. As soon as we saw you, we knew there was something different about you. Partly because you stood up to theNightmare King. You weren’t afraid. But also, you let us taste your power, and your power is like the sun.
Um…what do you mean?
It means we live in darkness. We see the depths of fear and horror inside people. But what’s inside you isn’t like that. It’s brighter, and it pulls us closer.
When you sayus, you mean you and Eryx.
Who else?
No one. Just making sure.
Huh. So it was pulled by my magic? Lulled by my weak power?
Your power isn’t weak. Now that your curse is fixed. You’re strong, Chelsea Nightshade. Eryx knows it. I know it. That’s why we’re letting you do this, because you complement us. We have lived in darkness for so long, wanting revenge. But then you showed us what light is. And the best part is that you weren’t even trying. So that is why we’re drawn to you, because there is a hole in us, and we see you as capable of filling it.
Eryx doesn’t need to be filled. He needs to be met.
Nightmare laughs.I like the way you see us. But I’ve known him a long time, and we have been missing something.
